When looking for all-natural treatment options for mental health disorders, Kratom is attracting some people. This substance is an herbal extract made from the leaves of the Mitragyna evergreen tree found in Southeast Asia. Kratom has been used in this region of the world for years as a natural treatment to boost energy levels, improve mood, alleviate pain, and manage opioid withdrawal symptoms.
However, there is much controversy surrounding Kratom for mental health and its effectiveness in treating mental health conditions. At low doses, it functions like a stimulant, improving mood and elevating energy levels. At higher doses, it reduces stress and anxiety, calms people, and alleviates pain, so it works similarly to a sedative.
Yet, the FDA has not approved Kratom for use medically or as a dietary supplement. Research into the substance has found that rather than helping people, it can lead to dependence and addiction. Quitting Kratom brings with it withdrawal symptoms similar to those people experience when quitting opioids.
Kratom for Depression
Depression can impact one’s ability to manage their day-to-day routines. It can cause distress due to the range of emotions and feelings experienced. Some people lose interest in activities, responsibilities, and even the will to live. Other people can be irritable or easily angered. They can feel on edge, become impulsive, and turn to alcohol or drugs to cope.
Some people self-medicate with Kratom to treat depressive symptoms. They claim the drug improves their mood and alleviates their depressive symptoms. However, there is not much scientific evidence to support using Kratom to treat depression.
In one case report from the NIH, the case involved studying one individual using Kratom to treat major depression and anxiety. While the subject reported using 3.8 grams of Kratom three to four times a day, eventually, the drug was no longer effective at addressing his symptoms.
During the COVID pandemic, the subject experienced increased stress in his workplace and personal life, triggering his symptoms. His daily Kratom doses were no longer working, so he upped his frequency, yet still found no relief.
It wasn’t until he discontinued Kratom use and switched to Lorazepam he was able to find relief from his symptoms. The subject also had to undergo Kratom detox because he had become dependent on the drug and was addicted to it.
Kratom for Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, and everyone experiences it. However, when it does not subside and persists or worsens, it is when someone could have an anxiety disorder. There are many different types of anxiety disorders depending on the specific symptoms, including:
- GAD (generalized anxiety disorder): GAD is characterized by persistent feelings of dread and anxiety that do not go away.
- Panic disorders: People with this type of anxiety have panic attacks that can occur at any time without any trigger.
- Social anxiety disorder: This anxiety disorder is where people are fearful when in social settings. They are afraid of being judged and watched by others.
- Phobias: Phobias are a type of anxiety where the person has an aversion to an intense fear of specific situations and objects, such as spiders, heights, or driving.
- Agoraphobia: When someone has an intense fear of being away from home, being in crowds, and being in public, which can include open or enclosed spaces, they could have agoraphobia.
- Separation anxiety disorder: This type of anxiety is common in children when they are separated from their parents. However, adults can also experience this condition when they are afraid of being away from loved ones.
While research is being conducted to explore the potential uses of Kratom for anxiety, all current research has shown Kratom products are not effective or safe for treating any medical condition, according to the NIDA.
Kratom for ADHD
ADHD is a mental health disorder that can begin in childhood and can still affect people in adulthood. ADHD can make it difficult for people to manage their emotions and daily routines. Some of the challenges and symptoms associated with ADHD are:
- Hyperactivity
- Impulsivity
- Inattention
- Hypersensitivity
- Frustration
- Increased Stress
- Low self-esteem
There has not been significant research into using Kratom for ADHD. Anecdotal and speculative evidence suggest the substance could help reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity while improving focus and attention. When taken at low doses, Kratom acts similarly to stimulants. Again, current research has indicated Kratom is not effective for treating any medical condition, including ADHD.
Kratom for Sleep
Getting sufficient sleep allows the brain to process information and perform different functions while we sleep. These are essential to our overall health and mental well-being. When a person gets insufficient sleep, it can affect their mental health. Many conditions, including anxiety and depression, have connections between the amount and quality of sleep and their impacts on the individual.
People who do not get sufficient sleep can be at an increased risk of developing mental health issues. Additionally, people who already have a mental health condition can experience a worsening of symptoms from insufficient sleep.
When Kratom is taken in larger doses, it has sedative effects and can cause drowsiness and calmness. Some people have self-medicated with Kratom as a sleep aid to help them fall asleep faster. However, similar to alcohol, Kratom does not actually help with sleep or sleep quality. It can cause sleep disturbances and even insomnia the longer it is used.
Kratom for Mental Health: Risks, Side Effects and Safety Concerns
Using Kratom for mental health disorders poses several risks, side effects, and safety concerns. Continued use of Kratom can result in increased tolerance, requiring increasing dosages to achieve the desired effects. As tolerance builds, so too does dependence on the drug, which will lead to addiction. When someone attempts to quit Kratom use, they will experience withdrawal symptoms, which are very similar to those experienced when people go through opioid detox.
Some of the side effects people experience when using Kratom are:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Dry mouth
- Weight loss
- Anorexia
- Mood swings, irritability, and agitation
- Itchiness
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Tachycardia
- Worsening of mental health symptoms
- Confusion
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Hepatotoxicity
- Seizures
There are also safety concerns over Kratom and potential drug interactions with other substances, as reported by the Kratom Fact Sheet for Healthcare Professionals, including:
- Alcohol
- Antidepressants
- Opioids
- Barbiturates
- Anxiolytics
- Benzodiazepines
- Other CNS-active drugs
Furthermore, since Kratom products are not regulated, they can contain other harmful substances and ingredients. For instance, some batches are made using opioids, such as fentanyl. Other batches can contain chemicals and substances not meant for human consumption.
Conclusion: Kratom for Mental Health
There are controversies over the effectiveness of Kratom for mental health and treating various mental health disorders. Presently, there is a lack of evidence to support using Kratom. Instead, research has shown the risks of dependency, addiction, and severe and adverse side effects of using this substance. Furthermore, self-medicating with Kratom can lead to a worsening of symptoms.
Find Mental Health Treatment Using Proven Methods in Southern California
It is easy to find effective, evidence-based, and holistic modalities to treat mental health disorders at Montare Behavioral Health. Our treatment centers in Southern California and Arizona provide comprehensive treatment options tailored to each person’s specific needs. Let our caring and supportive team help you achieve improved mental health while learning how to effectively manage your mental health condition. Contact us today to begin your transformative journey to a better and happier life.
